‘It’s unfair’ – Peter Obi advises young Nigerians about Pastor Adeboye

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has urged young Nigerians not to place on Pastor Enoch Adeboye responsibilities that rightly belong to them, describing such expectations as unfair.

This is even as he cautioned young Nigerians against being drawn into ethnic and religious divisions, warning that some politicians exploit such sentiments when they are unable to compete on ideas, character, performance, and vision.

Obi made the remark in a statement shared on X on Thursday while warning Nigerians against attempts to fuel ethnic and religious divisions ahead of future elections.

The statement comes amid social media attack against the respected cleric over the  ongoing insecurity in the country.

Many young Nigerians were of the view that he should led protest against insecurity as he did during former President Goodluck Jonathan.

However, reflecting on the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, Obi said discussions that should have centred on governance, competence, development and the future of the country were diverted towards tribal sentiments and ethnic divisions.

“Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognizing the broader agenda behind such campaigns,” Obi said.

According to him, many well-meaning Nigerians unknowingly became involved in narratives designed to create suspicion and disunity among citizens.

The former presidential candidate argued that politicians who are unable to compete on ideas, performance, character and vision often resort to exploiting ethnic, religious and identity differences to gain political advantage.

Obi warned that similar tactics are beginning to emerge again, sometimes in more subtle forms, through narratives aimed at dividing Nigerians.

He also defended Adeboye, describing the cleric as one of Nigeria’s foremost fathers of faith who has consistently preached peace, prayer, love, reconciliation and national unity throughout his ministry.

“Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace.

“At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them. The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. It is their duty to lead the conversations, champion the reforms, and drive the positive change our nation urgently requires” Obi said.

He stressed that the responsibility of building a better Nigeria rests largely on the younger generation, urging them to lead conversations on reforms and national development rather than allow themselves to be used to promote division.